Appeals court in New York rejects challenge to state’s gay marriage law

Gay marriage opponents lost a legal battle in New York Tuesday (23 October) when an appellate court declined to hear an appeal to the state’s marriage equality law.

New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, an evangelical group, had asked the Court of Appeals for permission to continue its appeal of a case in which it claimed that the state’s senate did not follow proper procedures when it passed a gay marriage bill last year.

The court denied the request without comment.

‘Obviously we’re disappointed in the Court of Appeals decision, but I wouldn’t’ say surprised,’ Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of New Yorkers For Constitutional Freedoms tells the New York Daily News.

‘It’s a pretty liberal-leaning court,’ McGuire added. ‘Every time the people had the chance to vote on the issue of marriage, they view it one way [against gay marriage]. But when it comes before rogue legislatures or the courts, they view it differently.’

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (pictured) signed the bill into law last year and hailed the court’s decision on Tuesday.

‘With the Court’s decision, same-sex couples no longer have to worry that their right to marry could be legally challenged in this state,’ Cuomo said in a statement.’The freedom to marry in this state is secure for generations to come.’

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has signed â€œKeep Calmâ€ posters backing allowing same-sex couples to wed at an official campaign launch for a Labor candidate in another sign it is an issue that the Labor Party wants to use to differentiate itself during this year’s election